If you’ve been in Cedar City over the past week, you’ve probably seen the teams of cyclists in matching bright-colored jerseys pedaling through the streets of the city. They’ve come to Cedar early to prepare for the start of the Tour of Utah.

Southern Utah will be the home to the first two races of the 2018 tour: the time-trial prologue Monday in St. George and Stage 1 on Tuesday in Cedar City.

But before the cyclists endure a tour that will cover a total distance of 536 miles and gain 43,780 feet in elevation, there’s some partying to do.

The Tour of Utah festivities will officially begin Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with the kick-off party at the Beverly Center for the Arts in Cedar City.

“Cedar City is excited and honored to host the Tour of Utah for the fourth time,” said Maria Twitchell, executive director of the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau in a written statement. “We encourage everyone — locals and visitors — to come out and support the cyclists and enjoy this beautiful city and surrounding area.”

Saturday’s starting festivities will feature live music, food vendors, activities and opportunities to meet the cyclists. The event is free to the public.

The Tour of Utah is expecting more than 120 riders representing over 16 teams for the week-long race. Taylor “TJ” Eisenhart, who rides for Holowesko-Citadel presented by Arapahoe Resources, is the only rider who is a Utah native. He grew up in Lehi.

“The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah will break new ground with its southernmost start amid the red rocks of St. George before traveling north to the ultimate finish line in Park City,” said John Kimball, managing director of the Tour of Utah. “The 2018 race will captivate fans across the state, showcase the beauty of Utah and demonstrate the diversity of our communities and terrain. With the commitment of five World Tour teams, we look forward to hosting a world-class peloton in Utah.”